#142: All-American Nazis

Welcome, Loyal Readers, and thank you for navigating your inbox and clicking on the most important email of your Thursday. Now it’s time to do some reading! Today’s issue will not disappoint. Please enjoy provocative pieces about the rise of Nazi youth in America, the fears white parents have about sending their children to public schools, the vaping craze among teenagers, the Great Spacing Debate, and the effects of the Green Revolution. Choose one, two, or all five to explore!

Also, there’s still time to complete the Annual Reader Survey, which ends next week. Two lucky subscribers will win magnificent prizes. The runner-up will receive the famous Highlighter Mug, and the winner will receive the all-new Highlighter Tote Bag. That sweetens the deal, doesn’t it? Check back here next Thursday to find out if you’ve won!

This is the story of four young white supremacists and how they became Nazis. Some parts will be familiar: They’re white, middle class, depressed, have ADHD, have divorced parents or absent fathers, embrace conspiracy theories, and spend most of their time on their computers, playing video games and participating in online chat communities. Other parts will surprise you: in particular, their codependent relationships and their passion for each other. This article will build your background knowledge about how our country is growing violent white supremacists. Tip: Annotating while you read may help you keep the four main characters clear in your mind. (42 min)

We know that schools are deeply segregated (especially in California). We also know what Nikole Hannah-Jones says: White parents prevent integration because they prefer to protect their privilege. This piece by Courtney Martin urges white parents not to succumb to common myths, like whether your kid will be “safe” alongside children of color. Also check out Integrated Schools, a group of parents who are “intentionally, joyfully, and with humility enrolling their children in integrating schools.” (16 min)

More than half of today’s 1 billion tobacco smokers will die because of their habit. The founders of Juul Labs promise to save millions of lives every year, calling their business a “cigarette-killing company.” The problem is that Juuling has become incredibly popular among teenagers who otherwise would shun smoking. Jia Tolentino (#73, #133) explains vaping’s allure among young people as an ironic response in a chaotic, deeply uncertain time. (Even reading this article may unsettle you.) (30 min)

You can tell a lot about a person if you find out how many spaces they leave after a period. Which kind of person are you — a one-spacer or a two-spacer? Read this article to learn about the history of this debate plus what new research suggests is the right way to space. Then vote your conscience! (4 min)

Recently I reread many of Bee Wilson’s articles about clean eating, detox, and bacon because I needed some food sanity in my life. I was so excited to stumble upon this new episode of 5x15, where Ms. Wilson talks about her next book focusing on the effects of the Green Revolution. (15 min)

#142 is done! Thank you for reading this week’s issue of The Highlighter. Tell me what you thought by using the thumbs below. Also, let’s welcome new subscribers Sivan, Ned, and Graham! If you enjoy reading this newsletter, please forward it to someone who might like it, too. Thank you for getting the word out. If it’s not a great match for you, please unsubscribe. I’ll see you back here next Thursday at 9:10 am. Have a great week!